Serbia arrests Republic Hydrometeorological Service director in money-laundering case
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What happened
The corruption prosecutor said Jugoslav Nikolić, director of the Republic Hydrometeorological Service, was arrested with two other suspects on suspicion of laundering at least 650,000 euros through property purchases. Prosecutors also said Nikolić did not report major changes in his assets to the Anti-Corruption Agency.
Why it matters
The arrest brings a serving head of a state institution into a prosecutor-led financial crime case and can trigger suspension, succession, and internal-control measures across the agency. It also tests whether Serbian authorities follow through with asset-freezing, replacement, and case-handling steps in a way that preserves continuity in a public service with operational functions.
Serbian prosecutors said police arrested Republic Hydrometeorological Service director Jugoslav Nikolić and two other suspects in a money-laundering case involving at least 650,000 euros. Prosecutors also accused Nikolić of failing to report major asset changes to the Anti-Corruption Agency. The case reaches a senior state official in a technical agency that supports public warning and state operations, making it more than a routine crime item for security and governance monitoring.
Watch for
Serbia's Higher Public Prosecutor's Office release on detention request or custody terms for Jugoslav Nikolić by 2026-11-07 The Government of Serbia decision on appointing an acting Republic Hydrometeorological Service director by 2026-11-07 The Anti-Corruption Agency notice on opening an asset-disclosure review tied to Jugoslav Nikolić by 2026-11-07 The Republic Hydrometeorological Service public bulletin confirming uninterrupted forecast and warning operations through 2026-11-07
Sources
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